Bech pushes a vending machine cup at Cappelli. “What’s she saying?”

Cappelli hooks a thumb into a pocket “Never gets any fucking better does it? Denying everything of course. Says she’s being framed.”

Bech barks a laugh. “Of course. Just another victim of a tragic miscarriage of justice.”

“Aren’t they all? Still, looks like that lawyer of hers is going to get her sprung. Bail’s set high but the judge is allowing it. No previous. And it looks like they share a school tie.”

Fuck!

“Who is he? He looked pretty high-class to be the legal for a hooker.”

“Theo Aldred. Subs for Max Devlin. From Hofferman and Partners…”

“Hofferman’s? The prosecutors on the Romani Family case?”

“Yup. Don’t envy him that one. They’ve got all the wits under protection and the judge and lawyers have full surveillance.” Cappelli sucks at the coffee, pulls a face. “Stone-cold… You’re right though. You’d not think he’d turn up for the likes of that one would you?” He tilts the cup at Bech. “I’m going to the machine for another. Want one?”

“Thanks, but no. I’m off in five.”

*****

So, the bitch got herself sprung…

Back in his apartment, Bech paces, curses, bangs his fist on the wall. Then…

The blindingly fuckin’ obvious…

He checks the card index,

And sure enough…

Maximillian Devlin. Lawyer. Married twice. Son by previous.

One daughter by current marriage - favourite topic of conversation. Likes rabbits and pink. Got a pony. Gymkhana. Head girl at Ponterbury.

*****

Michael

ceilings, then brain-cells line up in good order and I

rumpled, sheets thrown back, but when I listen, there is a faint clatter

She’s looking

Her father…

Christ…

hue, and her

Babe…

cheekbones with

looked out at me for

touch me,

stroking her face, “How are

eyes are soft and watery. “I’m fine. Really,

reacted well to learning what you did.” Tracing a curved brow with the pad of my thumb.

dropping her gaze, she bobs

better state than that if you really want to get yourself pregnant.” Her eyes lift again, widening.

voice is a

what I said when we talked about it. It’s fine. Just so long as

of my head. “Thank you.” She nuzzles into the crook of

you too. We both did.” I pull away, holding her gaze. “But I never went away. I never will go away…” She

“You

James and I share a bed when you’re not in it with us? He

the doorway comes a chuckle. “Sorry to disappoint you there.” James holds a tray.

upright. “God, I’m starving. Did

James grins. “She’s back.”

*****

Twenty-Six Years Ago

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